Yinhe Mercury 2

Rubber description:

The Yinhe Mercury 2 is a budget-friendly table tennis rubber that offers good value for its low price. It is a non-tensor rubber that provides a decent balance of speed, spin, and control. Reviews describe it as a “spinny” rubber with a medium-high throw angle, making it well-suited for topspin loops and drives close to the table.

Tackiness: The Mercury 2 is described as having a “medium tacky” topsheet that provides good grip and spin, though the tackiness may fade faster on the black version compared to the red. It is not as reactive to incoming spin as some more expensive rubbers, allowing players to overpower opponents’ spin.

Weight: The rubber is considered fairly heavy, with the 36-38 degree medium sponge version being heavier than the softer 33-35 degree version. The weight can contribute to a more stable feel on the blade.

Durability: This appears to be the main weakness of the Mercury 2, with several reviews noting the sponge can crumble and the topsheet can wear out relatively quickly compared to more premium rubbers. Careful removal and regluing is recommended to avoid damage.

Alternatives: For players looking for a similar budget-friendly, spinny rubber, the Friendship FX Lightening is mentioned as a potential alternative. More experienced players may want to consider upgrading to a tensor rubber like the Tenergy 05 for more power and speed.

Recent Reviews

#1 — May 2023

I got the rubber in the Medium variant for both Forehand and backhand. The rubbers are supposed to be 37 degrees, but they felt like they were 34 degrees. They felt softer than Tenergy 05, which made the rubber faster as the blade could be felt more. The topsheet was very grippy and tacky and had a medium arc. I paid $8AUD each for these, so I can’t complain. I think that beginners will love this rubber. However, it may not be suitable for professional play.

#2 — February 2023

Medium: 63g uncut, 45g cut.

Soft: 42g cut. Medium becomes soft after BO boosting.

Soft+ BO is too slow for my off+ blade, but medium is better than an OK rubber. It has good dwell for a stiff, fast, hard carbon blade.

Tip: I can re-glue if I use Pritt stick stationery glue on the blade and rubber with books on top for 6 hours. Normal TT glue will destroy it.

#3 — November 2022

Nice rubber. I play with an OFF lightweight 1cm thick XVT balsa carbon blade. Ratings are for the rubber BOOSTED.

I planned to try this rubber initially on the backhand side with gold arc 5 on the forehand. I now use it on both sides. I got the medium soft version. Out of the wrapper, the rubber is soft, medium tacky and slow. Like a soft slow Chinese rubber. It has minimal power and spin is medium too. Throw angle was also medium at best. It is a slow, controlled rubber with decent dwell but no real power.

HOWEVER, the beauty of this rubber comes out once boosted. After applying 2 layers of Falco Tempo Long, the rubber comes to life. It possesses the same characteristics at slow speed as before boosting: lots of control, amazing short game, accuracy at soft shot placement, but with the boosted sponge you get a bunch of more gears. The rubber is amazing now! It can play everything from the slowest drop shots, to an unreturnable smash and the ability to vary said speed in match play is exceptional. It blocks power shots with no effort and puts them back with medium high pace and medium throw. All in all it is awesome for an allround style of play. The balance of power and control is perfect in this rubber, just has to be boosted to get there. 8 bucks for a sheet and it is worth every penny.